Michigan Intercom Permit Requirements: No State License Needed

Michigan does NOT require a statewide low voltage contractor license for intercom installation. General low voltage work is largely unregulated at the state level, though specific systems like burglar alarms and fire alarms have separate licensing through LARA. Municipal permit requirements are also limited by state law.

Quick Answer

Michigan has no state license requirement for standalone intercom installation. Low voltage communication systems are not specifically regulated by LARA. Additionally, state law prohibits municipalities from requiring permits or licenses for low voltage work by registered alarm system providers. However, if integrating with security systems, alarm contractor licensing may apply.

Michigan Licensing Overview

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regulates specific trades, but general low voltage work is largely exempt.

What LARA Regulates

System Type	State License Required?	Notes
Standalone intercom	No	Not specifically regulated
Data/network cabling	No	Not specifically regulated
Burglar/security alarms	Yes	Security Alarm Systems Act
Fire alarms	Yes	NICET certification requirements
Telecommunications	No	Exempted in 1992 (PA 130)

Historical Context

In 1992, the Michigan legislature enacted Public Act 130 (House Bill 5701) to exempt three classes of work from the Electrical Administrative Act of 1956:

Burglar alarms (now separately regulated)
Telecommunications
Residential lawn sprinkling

This means general low voltage and telecom work—including intercoms—don't require state electrical licensing.

Municipal Restrictions

Michigan law significantly limits what municipalities can require for low voltage work.

MCL 339.5733 - Municipal Preemption

Under Michigan law, municipalities cannot require:

A permit to install, maintain, replace, or service electrical wiring, equipment, or devices associated with a business monitoring system or home monitoring system
A license or permit for a provider to install, maintain, replace, or service a security alarm system
A permit for low-voltage electric fence installation by registered providers

"Provider" means a system provider registered under the Security Alarm Systems Act (2012 PA 580) or a security alarm system contractor licensed under the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act (1968 PA 330).

What This Means

If you're a registered alarm system provider, cities cannot require additional permits for your low voltage alarm and monitoring work. For standalone intercom work (not alarm-related), permit requirements vary but are generally minimal.

When Licensing DOES Apply

Security Alarm Integration

If your intercom installation includes:

Burglar alarm integration
Access control with alarm features
Monitored entry systems

You may need to register under the Security Alarm Systems Act or be licensed under the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act.

Electrical Work Over 50V

If your installation requires work on circuits over 50V (power supplies, transformers), standard electrical licensing may apply.

Building Permits

Generally Not Required

Standalone intercom systems
Low voltage wiring under 50V
Wireless systems
Residential installations

May Be Required

New construction (part of building permit)
Some commercial installations
Work requiring structural modifications

Major Cities

Detroit

Check with Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. Low voltage work is generally exempt but verify for commercial projects.

Grand Rapids

Contact Grand Rapids Development Center for specific permit requirements.

Other Cities

Due to state preemption (MCL 339.5733), cities have limited ability to impose licensing or permit requirements on registered alarm providers doing low voltage work.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Intercom

State License: Not required for standalone intercom
Permit: Generally not required
If alarm-integrated: Security Alarm registration may apply

Commercial Intercom

State License: Not required for standalone intercom
Permit: May be required in some jurisdictions
General Contractor: May need to work under GC for larger projects

Best Practices

Know your scope: Standalone intercom = no license. Alarm-integrated = check security licensing.
Register if doing alarms: Security Alarm Systems Act registration provides municipal preemption benefits
Follow NEC: All installations must comply with Article 725 regardless of licensing
Carry insurance: Even without licensing requirements, liability coverage is essential
Check locally: While state law limits municipal requirements, verify for large commercial projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any license to install intercoms in Michigan?

No state license is required for standalone intercom systems. If integrating with alarm/security systems, separate licensing under the Security Alarm Systems Act may apply.

Can cities require permits for my low voltage work?

Michigan law (MCL 339.5733) prohibits municipalities from requiring permits or licenses for low voltage work by registered security alarm system providers. For non-alarm work, local requirements may vary but are generally minimal.

What about NICET certification?

NICET certification is relevant for fire alarm work in Michigan, not standalone intercoms. If you do fire alarm installations, LARA has specific NICET requirements.

Find Intercom Projects in Michigan

Looking for intercom installation opportunities in Michigan? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across the state, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.

Explore Signal

Last updated: February 2026. Contact LARA for questions about specific licensing requirements.