Maine Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

🟢 Limited Electrician License Required: Maine requires a Limited Electrician - Low Energy license for systems not exceeding 98 volts.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Limited Electrician - Low Energy License

Maine requires a Limited Electrician - Low Energy license through the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for individuals performing low voltage work on systems not exceeding 98 volts, including fire alarms, security systems, and other low energy electronics.

License Specifications:

Voltage Limit: Systems not exceeding 98 volts
System Types: Class I, II, and III limited energy systems
Fire Alarms: All fire alarm systems included
Dedicated Circuits: Branch circuit wiring for low energy systems
License Fee: $150.00 for Limited Electrician

Systems and Work Covered

The Limited Electrician - Low Energy license authorizes installation, maintenance, alteration, and testing of:

Authorized Systems:

Fire Alarm Systems: All fire alarm circuits and equipment
Communication Systems: Telephone, radio, computer and data wiring
Low Voltage Lighting: Low voltage landscape lighting systems (required since 2003)
Security Systems: Access control and intrusion detection systems
Controls: HVAC controls and other low energy control systems
Audio/Visual: Sound systems and communication equipment

License Requirements

Basic Eligibility

Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Background Check: Pass criminal background check
Examination: Pass examination administered by the Electricians' Examining Board

Education Requirements

270 hours of electrical education consisting of 45-hour courses each in:

Electricity I - Fundamentals of electrical theory
Electricity II - Advanced electrical concepts
Electronics I - Electronic systems and components
Blueprint Reading - Technical drawing interpretation
Controls I - Control system fundamentals
National Electrical Code - Current NEC course approved by the Board

Experience Requirements

Total Experience: 4,000 hours of electrical experience
Specialized Experience: At least 2,000 hours must be in low energy installations
Verification: Experience must be documented and verifiable
Recent Work: Experience should demonstrate current knowledge and skills

2024 Code Updates and Requirements

2023 National Electrical Code: All installations after July 1, 2024 must comply with 2023 NEC
Online Application System: All applications must be submitted online starting January 1, 2024
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting: Required licensing since 2003 Board decision remains in effect
Digital Processing: Permit and license applications processed through online portal

Application Process

Complete Education Requirements: Finish 270 hours of required electrical education
Document Experience: Gather verification of 4,000 hours with 2,000 in low energy work
Submit Online Application: Use the Electricians' Examining Board online portal
Pass Background Check: Complete criminal background investigation
Take Examination: Schedule and pass the low energy electrician exam
Pay License Fee: Submit $150.00 license fee upon approval

Legal Authority

Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 17 - Electricians' licensing law
Title 32, §1202-A - Issuance of licenses
Title 32, §1202-B - Issuance and scope of licenses
Title 32, §1201-A - Exceptions to licensing requirements
Maine Electricians' Examining Board Rules - Specific licensing procedures

Permits and Inspections

Permit Required: Low energy installations require electrical permits
Licensed Electrician: Only licensed master or limited electricians can pull permits
Inspection Process: Work subject to inspection by Electricians' Examining Board
Compliance: Must comply with 2023 NEC and Maine electrical code

Professional Resources

Maine Electricians' Examining Board
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Phone: Contact through main DPFR office
Website: maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/electricians

Online Application Portal
Website: licensing.web.maine.gov

Contact for Questions
Email: electrician.board@maine.gov

Exemptions from Licensing

Limited exemptions exist under Maine law for certain types of electrical work:

Minor Repairs: Replacement of lamps, fuses, lighting fixtures, switches, and sockets
Low Voltage Equipment: Installation and repair of radio and other low-voltage equipment (specific limitations apply)
Service Equipment: Repair of service entrance equipment (limited scope)

Important Maine-Specific Considerations

Online System Mandatory: All applications must use online portal as of January 1, 2024
2023 NEC Compliance: New installations must follow 2023 National Electrical Code
Landscape Lighting Requirement: Board specifically requires licensing for low voltage landscape lighting
Fire Alarm Inclusion: Fire alarm systems specifically included in low energy license scope
98-Volt Limit: Clear voltage threshold established for low energy work

Continuing Education and Renewal

License Renewal: Check with Board for current renewal requirements and schedule
Code Updates: Stay current with NEC adoptions and Maine-specific requirements
Professional Development: Industry training recommended for technology changes
Board Communications: Monitor Board announcements for regulatory updates

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most current legal requirements. Maine electrician licensing requirements can change, and recent updates in 2024 have affected application processes and code compliance. Always verify current requirements with the Maine Electricians' Examining Board before beginning any low voltage projects. Requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Consult with legal counsel for specific compliance guidance.

Last updated: January 2025

Low Voltage License Maine