Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

⚠️ Mixed Requirements: Colorado has no statewide low voltage license requirement, but local jurisdictions often require permits and registration. DORA regulates certain electrical work.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Colorado does not require a specific statewide low voltage contractor license for most low voltage work. However, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) State Electrical Board regulates electrical contractors when work involves connection to building power systems. Local jurisdictions maintain their own requirements.

State-Level Exemptions

The State Electrical Board specifically does NOT regulate:

Communication systems
Data processing systems
Elevators or passenger conveyors
Bridge or highway projects
Systems under 50 volts not connected to building power

Key Thresholds:

Voltage Threshold: 50 volts or less
Power Connection: License may be required if connecting to building power
Permit Requirements: Vary by local jurisdiction
Statewide Authority: No specific low voltage license exists

2025 Legislative Updates

Recent Legislation Affecting Trade Licensing:

HB 25-1284: Regulating Apprentices in Licensed Trades
SB 25-002: Regional Building Codes
SB 25-165: Licensure of Electricians
HB 24-1097: Military Family Occupational Credentialing (2024)

Systems and Work Classifications

Typically Exempt Low Voltage Work:

Telecommunications: Voice and data cabling (Cat 5/6/7)
Network Cabling: Computer networks, ethernet installations
Coaxial Cable: Cable TV, satellite systems
Audio/Video: Home theater, distributed audio
Wireless Systems: WiFi, cellular equipment
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting: Under 50 volts

Work That May Require Electrical License:

Fire Alarm Systems: When connected to building power
Security Systems: Hardwired systems with power connections
Access Control: Systems requiring electrical connections
Any system over 50 volts
Work requiring connection to electrical panels

Major City Requirements

Denver

General contractor license required for projects over $500
Electrical permits required for low voltage work
Security system installers must register
Fire alarm work requires certified technicians

Colorado Springs

Permits required for most low voltage installations
Business license required
Regional Building Department oversight

Aurora

Contractor registration required
Permits for commercial low voltage work
Inspections required for fire and security systems

When Electrical Contractor License IS Required

You need a Colorado Electrical Contractor license from DORA when:

Connecting low voltage systems to building electrical power
Working with systems over 50 volts
Installing hardwired fire alarm systems
Performing any work defined as "electrical" under state code

Electrical Contractor Requirements

Master Electrician: Must employ licensed master electrician
Insurance: General liability required
Registration: Register with DORA
Permits: Must pull electrical permits through DORA

Best Practices for Low Voltage Contractors

Check with local building departments before starting any project
Obtain business licenses in municipalities where you work
Pull permits even when not technically required (protects liability)
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage
Partner with licensed electrical contractors when needed
Document all installations and inspections

Insurance and Bonding

While not mandated statewide for low voltage work, most contractors should maintain:

General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence recommended
Workers' Compensation: Required if employees
Commercial Auto: For business vehicles
Surety Bonds: May be required by local jurisdictions

Legal Authority

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12, Article 115 - Electricians
3 CCR 710-1 - State Electrical Board Rules and Regulations
Local Municipal Codes - Vary by jurisdiction
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - State oversight

Permits and Inspections

DORA Online Permit System:

Online permits processed immediately upon payment
Available for registered electrical contractors
Required for work over 50 volts or connected to power
Email: dora_eandp_permits@state.co.us

Contact Information

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
State Electrical Board
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Email: dora_electricalboard@state.co.us
Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical

Key Takeaways

No specific state low voltage license for most telecommunications and data work
Local requirements vary significantly - always check with local authorities
Power connection is key factor - connecting to building power may require electrical license
Denver and major cities have their own contractor requirements
Fire and security systems often have additional requirements

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Requirements vary significantly by local jurisdiction in Colorado. Always verify current requirements with the Department of Regulatory Agencies and local building departments before beginning work. Municipal requirements often exceed state minimums. Last updated: January 2025.

Last updated: January 2025

Low Voltage License Colorado