The license category for low voltage wiring, SP-LV, may change to SP-FA/LV to include Fire Alarm wiring. If passed, the new rule is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2010.

Fire alarm system contractors were not included under the SP-LV license type. Most SP-LV license holders do Security and Burglar Alarm work.

In addition to low voltage and burglar alarm wiring that was included in the old SP-LV license, the new FA/LV license type will cover installations of "interconnected components wired to a common control panel either as a standalone fire alarm system or as part of a combination burglar/fire system to monitor and annunciate the status of evidence of flame, heat, smoke and/or water flow within a building or structure per the requirements of the NC Building Code and NFPA 72."

A public hearing is scheduled for 8:30 AM on September 24th, 2009, at the Board's office.

For more information from the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, click here.