The Wire

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Feb 20, 2026

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Feb 18, 2026

Wyoming requires a Low Voltage Technician License (LV-A) for burglar alarm installation through the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. LV-A requires 3,000 hours experience over 18 months minimum. Exam requires 70% passing score based on NEC. Contractor license is $200 annually with a licensed technician of record.

Feb 8, 2026

Wyoming requires a Low Voltage Technician License (LV-G or LV-A) for work on systems under 90 volts through the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. LV-G requires 4,000 hours experience over 2 years minimum. Exam requires 70% passing score. Contractor license is $200 annually with a licensed technician of record required.

Feb 8, 2026

Wisconsin has no statewide burglar alarm contractor licensing. However, Milwaukee requires a Type LB license with NTS Level II certified supervision and NTS Level I certified installers. Other Wisconsin cities follow state rules without additional licensing. Local alarm user permits and false alarm ordinances vary by municipality.

Feb 8, 2026

Wisconsin has no statewide low voltage licensing requirements for work under 50 volts. However, Milwaukee requires specific local licenses: Type LB for burglar/security (NTS Level II required) and Type LF for fire alarm (NICET Level II required). Other Wisconsin cities generally follow state rules without additional local licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

West Virginia requires a Specialty Electrician License for burglar alarm work over $1,000 on systems 80 volts or less. Licensing is through the State Fire Marshal's Office. The license requires 2 years experience and passing an NEC-based exam. Work under $1,000 is exempt. License fee is $50. Local alarm user permits vary by municipality.

Feb 8, 2026

West Virginia requires a Specialty Electrician License for low voltage work on systems 80 volts or less through the State Fire Marshal's Office. Work over $1,000 requires this license, while smaller jobs are exempt. The license requires 2 years (4,000 hours) experience and passing an NEC-based exam. License fee is $50.

Feb 8, 2026

Washington requires an EL06 Limited Energy System license from L&I for burglar alarm installation. The license requires 4,000 hours of supervised training (75% minimum) and passing a state exam through PSI. Local municipalities require alarm user permits with false alarm ordinances. DIY installation is permitted for homeowners.

Feb 8, 2026

Washington requires an EL06 Limited Energy System license from L&I for intercom installation. The license requires 4,000 hours of supervised training (75% minimum supervision) and passing a state exam through PSI. Consumer products like video doorbells can be homeowner-installed, but commercial work requires proper licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

Virginia requires DCJS certification for burglar alarm installation, service, and monitoring. Working without a license is illegal. Businesses need registration with a compliance agent. All technicians must complete coursework and pass background checks. Local alarm user permits and false alarm ordinances vary by jurisdiction. DPOR electrical licensing may also apply for line voltage work.

Feb 8, 2026

Virginia has a dual regulatory system for low voltage work. DPOR handles electrical licensing while DCJS regulates electronic security. Standalone intercom work may not require permits, but security integration triggers DCJS requirements. Working on surveillance equipment without DCJS licensing is illegal. Commercial work typically requires proper licensing from one or both agencies.

Feb 8, 2026

Vermont regulates burglar alarm work through electrical licensing via the Division of Fire Safety. There is no separate alarm contractor license. Work requires appropriate licensing and Master Electrician supervision. Local alarm permits vary by municipality. Vermont has reciprocity agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire for electrical licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

Vermont requires a Type-S Specialty Journeyman Electrician license for low voltage work including intercom systems. Work must be performed under Master Electrician supervision. The license requires 1-2 years of experience and 8 hours of continuing education every 36 months. Vermont has reciprocity with Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire for electrical licensing.

Feb 8, 2026

Utah requires a DOPL contractor license for burglar alarm installation. The Alarm/Limited Energy classification requires experience, passing a state exam, and 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Local municipalities require alarm user permits with false alarm ordinances. Application fee is $210. DIY installation is permitted for homeowners.

Feb 8, 2026