ATTENTION FLORIDA Computer Techs

[roborobs computer repair]

This is a question for IT Techs in FL. What are the laws regarding installing wired networks? I heard from a company that I do advertising through that you must have an electrician's license in order to install wired networks. Is this true and if not what is the law?

 

[rapidcom]

Yes you do need a low voltage electrical license, and comply with all local wiring codes.

Here is a link to the FL licensing dept. at the bottom it lists wired networking.

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/division/Servicesthatrequirealicense_Electrical.html

Im just south of Tampa btw.

 

[GeekPCSupport]

rapidcom:
Thanks for the info. I've been doing this for years and never knew this.

 

[rapidcom]

No problem, It is different from state to state. Good luck with licensing in FL, it is a very slow process.

 

[tkrabec]

Find a local electrician who is willing to do the work or who will supervise the work you do.

 

[rapidcom]

Find a local electrician who is willing to do the work or who will supervise the work you do.

This is what I do, I sub contract wiring work out. Thankfully most of my residential clients prefer to go with wireless.

 

[Paul Rodgers]

Is there any reason for that licensing requirement or is it just a way to generate income for the state?

 

[meanderer]

even running patch cable across... say the floor? what about nailing the cable to the bottom of the wall with those little clips?

I can only imagine a license if your wires go into walls and run inside walls.....

can someone verify that?

 

[rapidcom]

even running patch cable across... say the floor? what about nailing the cable to the bottom of the wall with those little clips?

I can only imagine a license if your wires go into walls and run inside walls.....

can someone verify that?

looking into this and the post above it.

 

[Alan22]

Is there any reason for that licensing requirement or is it just a way to generate income for the state?

For starters, watch these videos
http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=13100

People who are licensed know (or should know) the proper type of cable to be used and how to run the cable to comply with building codes. You can't guess with this stuff.

even running patch cable across... say the floor? what about nailing the cable to the bottom of the wall with those little clips?

I can only imagine a license if your wires go into walls and run inside walls.....

can someone verify that?

I don't have links to any documention on this, but I was informed by several electrical contractors (and a couple of building inspectors) over the years that if running cable yourself it needs to be run on the outside of ceilings and walls and using clips or wire channels is fine. Please don't take my word for it though and do your own research to confirm this is true. I've done alot of searching on official Florida websites and find it very difficult to obtain information confirming this. I think contacting your local building department should yeild the proper information.

 

[Mushin]

Non-Cenceled wiring is often ok as others have stated but conceled wiring often requires you to be licensed. Sure it is a way to generate revenue for the government but there are some things to consider. As an example plenum cable melts/burns different than other cable in the case of a fire and is often required when run in a drop ceiling.

 

[joydivision]

Not really sure what the problem is here, its not as if ethernet cable can catch fire.

 

[Mushin]

I think it has to do with...

When there is a fire how the cable burns/melts.
Also what "toxic" gases are released....

AND

Lobyist for the electrican industry didn't want to loose out on that busineess and managed to get regs in place

AND/OR

Politicians saw the increase in network cable demand and wanted their piece of the revenue.

 

[rapidcom]

FL has no state income tax so I gues they need to make extra money?...

 

[Alan22]

Not really sure what the problem is here, its not as if ethernet cable can catch fire.

Cable is not fireproof. Watch the videos I posted earlier.