Does anyone know if massachusetts legally requires low voltage license to install security cameras?
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tangent
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They do for fire and alarm systems. This may help clarify what some of the different licenses mean:
One could argue that installing cameras is basically the same as installing network wiring. Call up the state DOL (just don't emphasize the word security) or a lawyer. Somewhere in the state code they surely define "security system" which may or may not include cameras.
One could argue that installing cameras is basically the same as installing network wiring. Call up the state DOL (just don't emphasize the word security) or a lawyer. Somewhere in the state code they surely define "security system" which may or may not include cameras.
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Little more detail
lowvoltagenation.com
Definition download:
Low Voltage License Massachusetts
Low voltage systems, including access control, fire alarms, video surveillance, and security systems, are regulated in Massachusetts by the Board of Electricians. In order to work on these systems,…
lowvoltagenation.com
Definition download:
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rufunky
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Thanks guys
No specific mention of Cameras but im still not sure....
"Security System means an inherently power-limited system of wires, conduits, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances installed and interconnected electrically or electronically to permit access control, proprietary signalling, surveillance and the detection of burglary, intrusion, holdup, or other conditions requiring response or the transmission of signals or audible alarms. "
No specific mention of Cameras but im still not sure....
Parley
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It does say "surveillance", however it also says, "or other conditions requiring response or the transmission of signals or audible alarms." I would say based on the 2nd part the license is not required.
rufunky
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Glad you pointed that out.
Thats how I read it also but I wasnt sure if its because thats what I wanted to see..
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Here's the obligatory "I'm not a lawyer, but" statement....
IMO, I read that installing surveillance cameras and their cables DOES require the low voltage license.
A trick my high school English teacher taught me when facing a 100 word paragraph with a dozen or more commas and conjunctions is to eliminate many of those (the non-conditional ones) to reduce it down to the basics. I came up with:
IMO, I read that installing surveillance cameras and their cables DOES require the low voltage license.
A trick my high school English teacher taught me when facing a 100 word paragraph with a dozen or more commas and conjunctions is to eliminate many of those (the non-conditional ones) to reduce it down to the basics. I came up with:
"Security System means a system of appliances installed to permit surveillance and the detection of burglary or other conditions requiring response."
But more importantly, the FULL statement on the first linked web page:
"Low voltage systems, including access control, fire alarms, video surveillance, and security systems, are regulated in Massachusetts by the Board of Electricians. In order to work on these systems, a person must have a valid low voltage license issued by the Board. "
Parley
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"In order to work on these systems"
That is the key phrase. I would say that would refer to a "repairman"? However, if you are a private person installing your own system would that qualify?? Sounds like "Catch 22" situation.
That is the key phrase. I would say that would refer to a "repairman"? However, if you are a private person installing your own system would that qualify?? Sounds like "Catch 22" situation.
rufunky
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I'm just not sure who Low Voltage Nation is and what their qualifications are to determine this.
I think the better question is what are your intentions?!? If you’re installing your own video security system have you contacted the local inspection branch for insight?!?
If your intention is to do this as a side hustle as a contractor / business. You’ll need to follow all the applicable laws, regulations, and insurance.
If your intention is to do this as a side hustle as a contractor / business. You’ll need to follow all the applicable laws, regulations, and insurance.
I would agree. You're not performing the work for a fee. Or you're not "repairing" but "installing". But many states and municipalities don't make that distinction, homeowner or not. They want the revenue from permit fees, business licenses and specialty licenses like electrical, low voltage, HVAC, etc. to fund their dept. of admin, clerks, inspectors, examiners, etc..
I know in New York you do need a license for Security cameras, The other guy won the bid because I could not produce a low voltage license, they made damn sure the customer knew that. New york rules are just as murky as Massachusetts. I called the state and talked to somebody and they told me I do Indeed need one. That was like 4 or 5 years ago so who knows what the requirements are now. You are also subject to a background check also. No worries about that now, I stay away from ladders and only service what customers I have left from that era.
Is a NDAA conformance bar code or QR code tattooed on the back of your neck a requirement yet?
Its Implanted like a dog tracker, To be honest, at this stage in the game, If I never installed another camera, I would be O.K. with that. I,m sure everybody In New york follows the rules.Is a NDAA conformance bar code or QR code tattooed on the back of your neck a requirement yet?