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Low Voltage License Louisiana

January 15, 2023
04:16 AM

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Complete guide to Louisiana low voltage licensing requirements and LSLBC regulations

Louisiana Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

🟢 Electrical Contractor License Required: Louisiana requires electrical contractor licensing for telecommunications/low voltage work exceeding $10,000.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Telecommunications Subclassification

Louisiana regulates low voltage work through the telecommunications subclassification under electrical contracting:

  • Coverage: All low voltage electrical applications
  • Licensing Authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
  • Threshold: License required when project value exceeds $10,000 (including labor and materials)
  • No Examination: No specific exam required for telecommunications subclassification

License Requirements

For telecommunications and low voltage electrical work exceeding $10,000:

Commercial Electrical License Requirements:

  • Application: Complete online Commercial Application through LSLBC
  • Financial Statement: Minimum $10,000 net worth (within 12 months of application)
  • Business Registration: LLC/corporation must register with Louisiana Secretary of State
  • Business and Law Course: Required for commercial contractors
  • No Continuing Education: Not required for license renewal

Additional Subclassifications

Electrical Controls, Instrumentation and Calibration:

Also available for specialized low voltage work including:

  • Controls for electrical work including instrumentation
  • HVAC controls and Smart house controls
  • Security alarm panels and fire alarm panels
  • License required when value exceeds $10,000

Fire Marshal Exemptions

Under Louisiana RS 37:1664.5.1, electrical contractors have limited exemptions:

  • Authorized Installation: Wire, conduit, raceways, boxes, fittings
  • Fire Alarm Systems: Initiating and notification devices
  • Security Systems: Intrusion alarms, CCTV systems, special locking systems
  • Fire Marshal License: Not required when performed by licensed electrical contractor

Important Threshold Information

  • Projects Under $10,000: No LSLBC license required for telecommunications/low voltage
  • Projects Over $10,000: Must obtain electrical contractor license with telecommunications subclassification
  • Labor-Only Work: Same $10,000 threshold applies for electrical/mechanical/plumbing subcontractors

Recent Legislative Updates

  • Rules & Regulations: Current version effective August 1, 2024
  • PSI Examination: Louisiana Electrical Statewide examination available starting August 6, 2025
  • Act No. 178 (2024): Recent legislative changes affecting contractor licensing
  • Act No. 422 (2025): Additional updates effective August 1, 2025

Licensing Authority Contact

Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
2525 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2301
Website: lslbc.louisiana.gov

Online License Application
Available at: lslbc.louisiana.gov/lslbc-online-application/

Specialized System Requirements

For certain security and fire alarm systems:

  • Fire Alarm Systems: May require Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal coordination
  • Life Safety Systems: Electrical contractors with proper classification exempt from additional Fire Marshal licensing
  • Security Alarms: Covered under electrical contractor exemptions per RS 37:1664.5.1

Legal Authority

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 37 - Professions and Occupations
  • RS 37:2156.1 - Requirements for issuance of contractor license
  • RS 37:2156.2 - Major categories and subclassifications
  • RS 37:1664.5.1 - Limited exemption for electrical contractors
  • Louisiana Electrical Code - Incorporates NEC Class 2 and Class 3 circuit requirements

Important Louisiana-Specific Considerations

  • Lower Threshold: $10,000 threshold lower than general commercial work ($50,000)
  • No Exam Required: Telecommunications subclassification requires no specific examination
  • Statewide Authority: Licensed contractors exempt from local jurisdiction exams
  • Fire Marshal Exemptions: Electrical contractors have broad exemptions for alarm/security work
  • Recent Updates: 2024-2025 legislative changes may affect requirements

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most current legal requirements. Louisiana contractor licensing requirements can change with legislative updates, and recent changes in 2024-2025 may affect specific provisions. Always verify current requirements with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors before beginning any electrical or telecommunications projects. Requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change.

Last updated: January 2025

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