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North Carolina offers many types of electrical licenses that allow professionals to serve the needs of residential or commercial customers, including limited, intermediate, and unlimited licenses.  

Whether you’re on your way to obtaining an unlimited license or you intend to stay in the fire alarm/low voltage (FA/LV) arena, you need to know what the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) is looking for. What types of work can you do with an FA/LV license, and what’s the best way to apply for it? 

What Can You Do With a Limited FA/LV License?

With a limited license, you may accept jobs that deal with low-voltage systems and equipment rated at 600 volts or less, and contracts may not exceed $60,000. If you want to take jobs valued at up to $150,000, you’ll need to upgrade to an intermediate license. Jobs over $150,000 require an unlimited license. 

Your FA/LV license qualifies you to install, maintain, and repair low-voltage wiring, such as those in fire alarm systems, along with related wiring.  

What qualifies as related? This is any wiring that originates at the load-side terminals of a disconnecting means or junction box. 

However, these terminals must have been installed by other professionals specifically to supply the low-voltage wiring system. They must be legibly and permanently marked to identify the related system and must not be placed in any location considered hazardous under the National Electrical Code (NEC). Otherwise, you cannot work on them. 

How to Obtain Your License

At the age of 18, you are eligible to apply for a license, provided you have completed 3,000 hours of work experience. This must include at least 2,000 hours of primary (hands-on) experience, with the remainder consisting of either primary or secondary (related, but not hands-on) experience.  

When applying, you must submit statements from at least two people that attest to your good character, along with proof that you are conducting a lawful business. 

Before you can obtain your license, you must also pass the state trade exam. The Fire Alarm/Low Voltage Exam is based on the current NEC book and includes 50 questions on topics like the following: 

• Wiring methods and terminations 
• Bonding and grounding 
• Boxes and fittings 
• Load calculations 
• Motors and control wiring 
• Laws, rules, basic business practices, and practical applications 
• General 

You will have three hours to complete this open-book test, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. 

Test Prep to Put You on Track for Success

Preparing for tests can be a stressful affair, but the right exam prep program makes it easier. Look for a state-approved course designed for working professionals that provides the flexibility of self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to materials. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career by obtaining a fire alarm/low voltage license in North Carolina, RocketCert has the convenient and effective exam prep you’re looking for. Contact us now to get started.