Ohio Burglar Alarm License Requirements: Security Systems Guide
Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals
Ohio exempts burglar alarm installation from electrical licensing per ORC 4740.13(D). However, security businesses offering monitoring or guard services may need PISGS licensing through ODPS. Local alarm registration requirements vary by city.
Ohio Burglar Alarm License Requirements: Security Systems Guide
Ohio has a unique approach to alarm licensing. While low voltage work under 50V is exempt from OCILB electrical licensing, security and life-safety system businesses may need licensing through the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) or under House Bill 41 provisions.
Quick Answer
Ohio exempts burglar alarm installation from electrical licensing per ORC 4740.13(D). However, operating a security alarm business may require registration with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) under the Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS) regulations, depending on the scope of services. If monitoring or guard services are included, PISGS licensing applies.
Understanding Ohio's Dual System
Ohio regulates alarm work through two different frameworks:
| Regulation | Agency | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical exemption (ORC 4740.13D) | OCILB | Installation of low voltage systems under 50V |
| Security business licensing | ODPS/PISGS | Companies offering security services, monitoring, or guard response |
| Life-safety systems (HB 41) | Various | Systems designed for life-safety protection |
Electrical Licensing Exemption
Per Ohio Revised Code Section 4740.13(D):
"A person is not an electrical contractor subject to licensure under this chapter for work that is limited to the construction, improvement, renovation, repair, testing, or maintenance of the following systems using less than fifty volts of electricity: fire alarm or burglar alarm, cabling, tele-data sound, communication, and landscape lighting and irrigation."
This means no OCILB electrical license is needed for burglar alarm installation work.
ODPS Private Investigator & Security Guard Services
The Ohio Department of Public Safety regulates security businesses through PISGS.
License Types
| Class | Covers |
|---|---|
| Class A | Private Investigation AND Security Services |
| Class B | Private Investigation only |
| Class C | Security Services only |
When PISGS Licensing Applies
PISGS licensing is required when your alarm business includes:
- Central station monitoring with guard response
- Security guard services
- Patrol services linked to alarm systems
- Private investigation services
When PISGS Licensing May NOT Apply
Installation-only businesses that don't provide monitoring or guard response may not need PISGS licensing. However, verify with ODPS directly as interpretations vary.
Basic PISGS Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- Clean criminal background
- Background check through WebCheck
- 20-hour basic training course (approved by PISGS)
- Written examination
- Registration within 7 business days of hire (for employees)
Contact Information
PISGS: (614) 466-0342 | pisgs.ohio.gov
Local Alarm Permit Requirements
Many Ohio cities require alarm users to register their systems with local police:
Columbus
Check with Columbus Division of Police for alarm registration requirements and false alarm ordinances.
Cleveland
Cleveland has false alarm reduction ordinances. Customers should register alarms with local authorities.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati Police Department may require alarm registration. Verify current requirements.
Best practice: Inform customers they may need to register their alarm system with local police to avoid false alarm fines.
Building Permits
Building permits for burglar alarm installation are generally NOT required:
- Low voltage systems under 50V are exempt
- Wireless alarm systems need no permits
- Residential installations typically exempt
Permits MAY be required for:
- New construction (part of overall building permit)
- Some commercial installations (varies by city)
- Work requiring structural modifications
Commercial vs Residential
Residential Burglar Alarm
- Electrical License: Not required (ORC exemption)
- PISGS: May apply if offering monitoring with response
- Permit: Usually not required
- Customer Registration: Many cities require alarm registration
Commercial Burglar Alarm
- Electrical License: Not required (ORC exemption)
- PISGS: More likely to apply for commercial security contracts
- Permit: May be required in some municipalities
- UL Certification: May be required for certain applications
Best Practices
- Contact ODPS/PISGS: Clarify if your business model requires licensing
- Check local requirements: Each city may have alarm registration ordinances
- Document the exemption: Keep ORC 4740.13(D) reference handy
- Train on false alarms: Proper installation reduces customer fines
- Carry insurance: Essential for any security-related business
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrical license to install burglar alarms in Ohio?
No. Ohio Revised Code 4740.13(D) specifically exempts burglar alarm systems under 50V from electrical contractor licensing.
Do I need a PISGS license to install alarms?
It depends on your business model. Installation-only companies may not need PISGS licensing, but if you offer monitoring with guard response or security services, you likely do. Contact ODPS to verify.
What about fire alarms?
Fire alarms are also exempt from electrical licensing under the same ORC provision. However, fire alarm systems may have separate requirements through the State Fire Marshal.
Find Burglar Alarm Projects in Ohio
Looking for security system installation opportunities in Ohio? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across the state, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.
Last updated: February 2026. Contact ODPS/PISGS and local authorities to verify current requirements for your specific business model.
Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros
Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.