Low Voltage In The Outer Chicago Area

dgregait

Good Afternoon to All,

I am very glad I came across this site. I have been installing low voltage wire, 99% CAT-5 or CAT-6, as a side job for home networking for over 5 years now. I have been recently let go from my job as a PC, Server, and Network support consultant. I am looking to start my own business providing PC, Server, and Network support. As part of this business I would like to offer low voltage wiring for not only Network (CAT-5, CAT-6) but for phone and co-axel cable as well.

This brings me to my question, I know some cities and villages require you to have a low voltage license before you can pull a permit to do the work. I am attempting to bid for a job in Oakbrook IL and in the process I contacted the city to ask about the permit. I found out they do require you to have a low voltage license to pull the permit. When I asked them where I could find information about getting the license they didn’t have a clue. I have searched the web and found many sites that say the state of Illinois does not require a low voltage license. Now I know that local cities and villages can have requirements up and beyond the state requirement. However I have hit a wall in terms of finding this information.

Can anyone on this forum point me in the right direction?

Thank you very much for any and all help,

Dan

emarcum

Sorry to hear about your job. I was recently released from my 5+ year position as an electronic security system installer (Card access, CCTV, telephone entry, alarms, etc.). Tough times for all of us, I guess.

Anyway, before my 5 year job, I was independent.

During this time, I ran across one situation where I was required to be a supervising electrician to do the job. This was in unincorporated CookCounty, so I don't know if it would pertain to Oakbrook (I believe Oakbrook is DuPage).

I know the CookCounty test can be taken in Orland Park, not sure about DuPage.

The test I took was based on NEC 99 and was mostly related to things that don't pertain to low voltage guys (110VAC and higher). If this is what they're looking for, find out what the test is based on and study up, or you will fail the first time out. I failed the first time and lost the job because of it.

Hope this helps.

Synacom

I live in NY and the state does not license electricians nor does it license low voltage installers. I am not licensed but I am able to pull permits to do the work.

jdss

Hello Dan,

I am in similar situation as you were regarding running CAT5e and CAT6 cables. I am in Plainfield, IL and bidding for a job in Tinley Park and Dundee and the general contractor has requested me to get a permit. Did you find ever find out how to get a low voltage license and from where. Also if you can direct me to sites which states that low voltage permit is not required in state of IL

Thanks
Juzer

wireaudio

Ok, i am positive this information is correct:
This information comes straight from the CEDIA web site:


Illinois - Chicago ONLY
NOTE: The City of Chicago requires the licensing of low-voltage electricians engaged in electrical work associated with the installation or maintenance of VDV (voice, data, and video) systems and equipment.


Unless you have to work with lines over 50V AC or 120V DC (in other words, extra low voltage), you have nothing to worry about. A permit should not be required. However, if you are working with 50 to 500V AC or 120 to 750V, you are dealing with mid-range voltage (sometimes labeled as low voltage, even though that is not right), a license is required to do this kind of work (in other words, a electrician's license if im not mistaking.).

You should have no trouble getting a permit for this kind of work. Actually you should not be needing a permit at all if it's a small residential job.

Hope this helps.

ichbinbose

This is not correct. If you are working in unincorporated cook county, naperville and a handfull of other "union controlled" areas around Chicago, you will need a low voltage license. The largest problem with the license is that over 50% of the test has absolutly nothing to due with low voltage. This is once again due to the union.
Yes this even applies to residential.