The Wire

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

California requires a C-7 Low Voltage Systems license from CSLB to install intercom systems professionally. Most residential installations are permit-exempt under 50V, while commercial projects require permits. The C-7 license requires 4 years experience and two exams.

Feb 7, 2026

Florida requires an EF or EG license for burglar alarm installation. EF covers all alarms including fire; EG covers everything except fire. Complete guide to ECLB licensing, exams, and experience requirements.

Feb 7, 2026

Florida requires a Limited Energy Specialty Contractor license for intercom installation. Learn about ECLB certification, exam requirements, experience needed, and city-specific permit requirements across Florida.

Feb 7, 2026

Texas REQUIRES a DPS Private Security license for burglar alarm installation. Companies need a Class B Security Contractor License, and technicians need an Alarm Systems Installer registration. Complete guide to Texas alarm licensing requirements.

Feb 7, 2026

Texas does NOT require a state electrical license for intercom installation—low voltage work is exempt under TDLR rules. However, major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have their own permitting requirements.

Feb 7, 2026

This week: 2,656 new construction projects totaling $2.24 billion across 28 states. Top projects include a $244M Columbus mixed-use development and the $227M Loews Arlington III Hotel. Florida leads in project count (460), while Texas dominates in value ($1.08B).

Feb 7, 2026

TREND Networks SignalTEK QT Series review: 10 gigabit copper and fiber qualification testing with cloud connectivity for commercial structured cabling contractors.

Jan 27, 2026

Guide to intercom permit requirements in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn when permits are required and what work is exempt.

Jan 24, 2026

Guide to intercom permit requirements in Montgomery County, Maryland. Learn when permits are required and what work is exempt.

Jan 24, 2026

Guide to intercom permit requirements in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Learn when permits are required and what work is exempt.

Jan 24, 2026