Re: Home Automation Qualifications...

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Roy L Butler wrote:
> Frank,
>
> Frank Olson wrote:
>
>> Robert L Bass wrote:
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> The definition/classifications for each contractor are listed here:
>>
>> http://www.cslb.ca.gov/licensing/classifications.asp
>>
>>
>>> Here's a link to a page on California's Department of Consumer
>>> Affairs website.  The page has access to info pertinent to
>>> alarmcompany licensing.  Since the knowledge and experience
>>> requirements for alarm installers are less than those for
>>> electricians, as a new HA aspirant you may want to go that route.
>>> http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
>>>
>>
>>
>> First off, this link does not take him to the Bureau of Security and
>> Investigative Services (BSIS), which regulates alarm companies and
>> employees.  That link is:
>>
>> http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/alarm.htm
>>
>> Secondly, the OP is going to require either a C-10 (Electrical) or C-7
>> (Low Voltage Systems) Contractor's License.  Alarm company licensing
>> (through the BSIS) will not allow him to work on HA systems (which you
>> cannot consider a "Burglar Alarm", although the line between the two
>> is getting "blurry") and will not exempt him from obtaining either the
>> C-7 or C-10 contractor classification.  A "Alarm Company Operator"
>> license is very restrictive, and won't allow you to install CCTV, or
>> Access Control (two elements that are often seen in HA systems).  Once
>> again you "step" in with advice that is your idea of a "good answer"
>> but is really only "half baked".
>>
>> To take this a bit further, a company with a C-7 "low voltage" ticket
>> cannot install an Elk M-1 because it is listed burglar alarm equipment
>> (even if it's only using  home automation components).  A company with
>> a C-7 low voltage ticket can install access control, communication,
>> and cctv equipment, but can't install a burglar alarm or fire alarm
>> system.
>>
>> To avoid the confusion that will result from this post (when Bass
>> starts "justifying" and "defending" his response in his usual
>> inimitable fashion), the OP should contact:
>>
>> Contractors State License Board
>> 9821 Business Park Drive
>> Sacramento, CA 95827
>> (916) 255-3900
>> Toll-free (800) 321-2752
>>
>> They will essentially tell him exactly what I've just related.
>
>
> Thanks for all of the advice.
>
> I can appreciate the real value of experience in the field required for
> a contractor's license, but it seems a shame that one cannot prepare to
> enter the field while maintaining a good paying job outside the field,
> say through study alone.
>
> The only options that come to my mind would be to either work two
> full-time jobs for the next couple of years (unlikely) or hire a
> C-7/C-10 contractor to be on-staff for the fledgling company...  Is
> there a more creative way to look at all of this?
>
>
> Roy


If you're going to start a company and "employ" (subcontract) the work
out to a C7 or C10, then you're going to need to be a licensed
contractor as well.  Obtaining the C7 or C10 shouldn't be a problem.
Have a look at the application form for yourself.  You'll need to post a
bond and pass a background check (and pay a fee).

Spend some time and explore through all the links we've provided.
Contact the nice people on the State Licensing Board on their toll-free
number.

As for working two jobs...  You gotta do what youze gotta do!  :-)