Pennsylvania Intercom Permit Requirements: No State License Needed

Pennsylvania does NOT have a statewide low voltage contractor license. The Commonwealth only licenses crane operators and asbestos/lead removal contractors at the state level. Intercom installation requirements are primarily local, with Philadelphia having the most comprehensive licensing requirements.

Quick Answer

Pennsylvania has no statewide license requirement for low voltage or intercom installation. However, home improvement contractors earning over $5,000/year must register with the PA Attorney General. Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor license for low voltage work. Other municipalities vary—always check local requirements.

Statewide Requirements

No State Contractor License

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors or their employees. The only state-issued contractor licenses are for:

Crane operators
Asbestos removal contractors
Lead removal contractors

Low voltage and intercom work is NOT licensed at the state level.

Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Since July 1, 2009, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires registration with the PA Attorney General:

Requirement	Details
Registration Threshold	$5,000+ annual revenue from home improvement work
Fee	$50 non-refundable
Insurance Required	$50,000 personal injury + $50,000 property damage minimum
Disclosure	Prior bankruptcies, criminal convictions required
Penalty	$1,000+ civil penalties for unregistered work

Important: Unregistered home improvement contractors are prohibited from offering or performing home improvements in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Requirements

Philadelphia has the most comprehensive requirements in the state:

Electrical Contractor License

An Electrical Contractor's License is required for electrical work in Philadelphia, including low voltage work.

Requirements:

4 years employment doing electrical work for a licensed company
Proof of insurance
OSHA 30 safety training course
Disclosure of subcontractors

Permits

Philadelphia requires permits for most electrical work. Contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections for low voltage permit requirements.

Pittsburgh Requirements

Pittsburgh has separate municipal licensing. Contact the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection for:

Contractor registration requirements
Permit requirements for low voltage work
Inspection schedules

Other Municipalities

Pennsylvania has 2,562 municipalities, many with their own requirements:

Common Local Requirements

Contractor registration (often requires insurance certificate)
Business privilege license/tax
Permits for certain work types

Township Registration

Many townships require:

Copy of general liability insurance
Workers' compensation (if applicable)
References or registration from another township

Building Permits

Pennsylvania follows the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Permit requirements vary:

Generally Permit-Exempt

Low voltage wiring under 50V in residential
Wireless intercom/doorbell systems
Retrofit/replacement work

May Require Permits

New construction (part of building permit)
Commercial installations
Philadelphia (most electrical work requires permit)

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Intercom

State License: None required
AG Registration: Required if earning $5,000+/year
Local License: Check municipality
Philadelphia: Electrical contractor license required

Commercial Intercom

State License: None required
AG Registration: Generally applies to residential work
Local Requirements: May require permits and registration
Philadelphia: Electrical contractor license + permits required

Best Practices

Register with AG: If doing any residential work over $5,000/year
Check local requirements: Call each municipality before starting work
Philadelphia: Get the Electrical Contractor license if working in the city
Maintain insurance: Required for AG registration and most local permits
Follow UCC: All work must comply with the Uniform Construction Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to install intercoms in Pennsylvania?

No statewide license, but you must register with the PA Attorney General if earning over $5,000/year from home improvement work. Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor license.

Can I work anywhere in PA with just AG registration?

The AG registration is statewide for home improvement work, but many municipalities have additional local licensing or registration requirements. Always verify locally.

What about Philadelphia specifically?

Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor's License for low voltage work, plus permits. The requirements are significantly more stringent than most of the state.

Find Intercom Projects in Pennsylvania

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

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Last updated: February 2026. Requirements vary significantly by municipality. Always verify with local authorities before beginning work.