I'm in California. I plan to start installing VoIP phones systems on hosted PBX platforms (that is, with no central PBX unit on premises). Some of the jobs will be over $500 and thus might be contracting as defined in California. I didn't get a straight answer over the phone from the regulator, CSLB ( https://cslb.ca.gov ), about whether a contractor's license is required. The classification that might apply is Low Voltage Systems Contractor, described at
.... which says that this is anyone who "installs, services and maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. These systems include, but are not limited to telephone systems, sound systems" ...etc. The whole thing is below.
So in California, does installing a VoIP system (where the job exceeds $500 in total) require a contractor's license?
What about if it's just desk phones being attached to the existing ethernet network: would that make a difference?
California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications
A communication and low voltage contractor installs, services and maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. These systems include, but are not limited to telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, closed-circuit video systems, satellite dish antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, and low voltage landscape lighting. Low voltage fire alarm systems are specifically not included in this section.
Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)
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I know zip on California law. That being said, get the license & you won't have to worry about it.
$500 doesn't go far these days, especially since there's no mention as to what the $500 is for: just labour, just materiel, both, including the telephone sets....
Scientists say that the universe is made up of Protons, Neutron & Electrons. They forgot "Morons". Dave. (CTUB) Canadian Techs Use Bix!
I would say that as long as all you are doing is plugging a phone into an EXISTING jack then no, you do not need a C7. You would be on par with any computer geek who I assume does not need one either. But then as far as I'm concerned they should tear the California page out of all Rand-McNallys.
-Hal
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Having just received my C7 contractors license on Saturday (CA 992448) the answer is a conditional yes.
The requirement for needing a contractors license is if the whole job exceeds $500 in time and material not just your part of it. A great example is a bathroom remodel and your asked to install a new outlet that you quote at $100.00 and the total remodeling cost is $3000.00. You would be required to have a contractors license to do this job.
You need the license to improve the property. Installing free standing bookshelves do not require a license, but screw them to the wall and you now need the license.
If you pull cable, install a rack or equipment into the rack, then you need a license. IF all you did was place the VOIP phones on a desk and plugged them in then I would say no you don't need a license unless it's part of a project that falls under needing a license.
The main point is you can't separate parts of a job to defeat the license requirement.
I am not a legal expert on contractor law or license requirements. This is just what I was taught at the contractors law class I took for my license.
Last edited by Mercenary Roadie; 04/28/1411:12 PM.
Patrick T. Caezza Santa Paula, CA 93060 C-7 - Low Voltage System Contractor - Lic# 992448
You may not like the rules and regulations that CA has, but if you do work in the state you have to follow them. Whether you like them or not.
I just spent over two years getting my C7 license. Darn previous employer kept lying about filling out the required Certificate of Experience form.
You'll be playing Russian Roulette if you do what the state considers contracting work without a license. They are actively going after unlicensed contractors with various sting operation throughout the state and if you get caught in one, forget about getting a license for several years. Craigslist is not your friend if you are not a licensed contractor. That's their #1 source of leads for the stings.
In case you didn't know and you are doing anything involving Consumer electronics and Residential work, you have to be registered with the Bureau of Electronics and Appliance Repair (B.E.A.R). A $160.00 per year fee. It doesn't matter if you have a contractors license or not.
Patrick T. Caezza Santa Paula, CA 93060 C-7 - Low Voltage System Contractor - Lic# 992448