North Carolina Intercom Permit Requirements: SP-FA/LV License Guide
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North Carolina requires an SP-FA/LV license for intercom installation from the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Covers systems 50V or less. Pre-approval required before exam. Alarm businesses need additional Alarm Systems Licensing Board registration.
North Carolina Intercom Permit Requirements: SP-FA/LV License Guide
North Carolina requires the SP-FA/LV (Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low Voltage) license for low voltage work including intercom installation. This is issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and requires pre-approval before taking the exam.
Quick Answer
North Carolina requires an SP-FA/LV license from the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors for intercom installation. The license covers systems of 50 volts or less. You must receive Board pre-approval before taking the exam. The exam is based on the 2020 NEC (continuing through July 2025+). Alarm businesses need additional licensing from the Alarm Systems Licensing Board.
NC Electrical License Classifications
The NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors offers multiple license levels:
| License | Scope | Intercom Work? |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | All electrical work | Yes |
| Limited | Limited scope electrical | Yes |
| Intermediate | Intermediate scope | Yes |
| SP-FA/LV | Fire alarm and low voltage only | Yes - primary |
SP-FA/LV License Requirements
Scope of License
The Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low Voltage license covers:
"Fire alarm, burglar alarm and low voltage wiring systems: (1) wiring systems of 50 volts or less and control circuits directly associated therewith; (2) wiring systems that have a voltage in excess of 50 volts and consist solely of power limited circuits meeting the definition of a Class II or Class III wiring system in the National Electrical Code or paging systems not in excess of 70 volts."
This includes:
- Intercom systems
- CCTV
- Security systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Data/network cabling
- Sound/paging systems
Examination
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Pre-approval | Required from Board before scheduling exam |
| Code Version | 2020 NEC (through July 2025 and beyond until further notice) |
| Business Law | Incorporated into the exam (no separate test) |
| Format | Multiple choice |
Application Process
- Submit application to NC Board of Examiners
- Receive pre-approval to sit for examination
- Study 2020 NEC (specifically Articles 725, 760, 770, 800)
- Schedule and pass examination
- Receive license
Contact Information
NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
3625 National Drive, Suite 221, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: (919) 733-9042 | Website: ncbeec.org
Alarm Systems Licensing Board
If operating an alarm systems BUSINESS (not just installation), additional requirements apply through the NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board.
Requirements
To operate an alarm business in NC:
- Low Voltage Experience: Applicant or employee must hold NC Electrical License (Unlimited, Limited, Intermediate, or SP-FA/LV)
- Burglar Alarm Experience: 2 years in alarm installation/service within past 5 years, OR complete approved training (Certified Alarm Technician Level I from NESA, Elite CEU, or Complete Electrical Academy)
Contact Information
Alarm Systems Licensing Board: (919) 788-5320
Building Permits
North Carolina permit requirements vary by jurisdiction:
Generally Not Required
- Low voltage systems under 50V
- Residential intercom installation
- Wireless systems
May Be Required
- New construction (part of building permit)
- Commercial installations in some jurisdictions
- Charlotte, Raleigh, and other large cities may have specific requirements
Major Cities
Charlotte
Check with Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement for specific permit requirements.
Raleigh
Contact Raleigh Inspections Department for low voltage permit information.
Commercial vs Residential
Residential Intercom
- License: SP-FA/LV or higher required
- Permit: Usually not required
- Inspection: Typically not required for low voltage
Commercial Intercom
- License: SP-FA/LV or higher required
- Permit: May be required depending on jurisdiction
- Business License: May need Alarm Systems Licensing Board approval
Best Practices
- Get pre-approved: Must have Board approval before taking the exam
- Study 2020 NEC: Exam based on this version through 2025+
- Alarm business: If running an alarm business, register with Alarm Systems Licensing Board
- Check local requirements: Permit needs vary by city/county
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SP-FA/LV and the Alarm Systems License?
SP-FA/LV is the electrical contractor license for doing the work. The Alarm Systems Licensing Board license is for operating an alarm business. You may need both.
Can I take the exam without experience?
You need Board pre-approval, which typically requires demonstrating qualifications. Contact NC Board of Examiners for specific requirements.
Find Intercom Projects in North Carolina
Looking for intercom installation opportunities in North Carolina? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across the state, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.
Last updated: February 2026. Verify requirements with NC Board of Examiners.
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