The Wire

Michigan requires registration under the Security Alarm Systems Act or Private Security Business Act for burglar alarm installation. Key benefit: registered providers are exempt from municipal permit requirements under MCL 339.5733.

Feb 8, 2026

Michigan has no state license for standalone intercom installation. Low voltage communication work is largely unregulated. State law prohibits municipalities from requiring permits for registered alarm providers. Security-integrated systems may need separate licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

North Carolina requires dual licensing: SP-FA/LV from NC Board of Examiners for installation work, plus Alarm Systems Licensing Board registration for operating a business. Alarm license requires 2 years experience OR approved training certification.

Feb 8, 2026

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.

Feb 8, 2026

Georgia requires an LV-A (Alarm) license from the State Board of Low Voltage Contractors for burglar alarm installation. Needs 1 year experience, background check, and passing exam. Security company services may require additional Board of Private Detective licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

Georgia requires an LV-G (General) low voltage license for standalone intercom installation. The license needs 1 year experience and passing an open-book exam. Security-integrated intercoms require LV-A or LV-U license. Apply through GOALS portal.

Feb 8, 2026

Pennsylvania has no state alarm contractor license. Register with PA Attorney General for home improvement work over $5,000/year. Philadelphia requires electrical contractor license. Many cities require customer alarm registration.

Feb 8, 2026

Pennsylvania has no statewide low voltage license. Home improvement contractors must register with the PA Attorney General if earning over $5,000/year. Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor license. Other municipalities vary.

Feb 8, 2026

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.

Feb 8, 2026

Ohio does NOT require a state license for intercom installation. Low voltage work under 50V is exempt per ORC 4740.13(D). Local municipalities may have their own requirements. Security-integrated systems may require separate licensing under HB 41.

Feb 8, 2026

Illinois requires an IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor license for burglar alarm installation. This needs 3 years experience plus passing the exam (offered March and September). In Chicago, register your state license with DOB and watch for false alarm fines ($100 each).

Feb 7, 2026

Illinois has no statewide intercom license—standalone intercoms don't require IDFPR's Private Alarm Contractor license. Chicago requires a Low Voltage Electrical Contractor license from DOB. Residential buildings ≤4 stories are often permit-exempt. Outside Chicago, requirements vary by municipality.

Feb 7, 2026

New York requires a Security or Fire Alarm Installer license from NYS Department of State to install burglar alarms. This needs 60-81 hours of training plus 3 years experience. Customers must also get local alarm permits—Nassau County $100-$200, Suffolk County $50-$100.

Feb 7, 2026

New York does NOT have statewide low voltage licensing for intercoms. Requirements vary: NYC requires Low Voltage Installer certification from DOB, Suffolk County requires a Low Voltage Restricted License, and many areas have no requirements. Security-integrated systems need NYS Security Alarm Installer license.

Feb 7, 2026

California requires an Alarm Company Operator (ACO) license from BSIS to install burglar alarms—a C-7 or C-10 alone is NOT sufficient. The ACO requires 2 years experience and a BSIS exam. Most cities also require customers to obtain local alarm permits.

Feb 7, 2026