Comment Re:Low-voltage wiring (Score 1) 357
Building codes are very localized typically on a county by county basis. Though typically things like wiring fall back on National Electrical Code.
Licensing for electricians is done state by state. For example, in Georgia there are a few different types of licenses. You can get general (any), general(200 amps), and low voltage (telcom, data, alarms, sound). Neighboring states will usually honor each other's licenses but that's about it. You can obtain a license by either working under a licensed electrician for 4 years or enrolling in a vo-tech class to shave a year or two. In either case you will have to pass a test.
Some areas are very picky on who installs the wiring. You may have done a perfect job, but if you aren't licensed, the inspector may make you tear it all out. Some will allow you to do some small home wiring, have it inspected, and pass code. It also depends on the inspector.
Some of the brief gotchas I've found with data cabling.
-plenum rated cable (a measure of toxicity released in buring)
-conduit type and grounding (cable trays in ceilings)
-filling in holes running through a firewall (the orignal defn :)
-avoiding zip ties and such everywhere except the network closet
I'm sure there are more. The other side of not being up to code hinders buying, selling, repairing, or insuring your home and may bring along fines.
Licensing for electricians is done state by state. For example, in Georgia there are a few different types of licenses. You can get general (any), general(200 amps), and low voltage (telcom, data, alarms, sound). Neighboring states will usually honor each other's licenses but that's about it. You can obtain a license by either working under a licensed electrician for 4 years or enrolling in a vo-tech class to shave a year or two. In either case you will have to pass a test.
Some areas are very picky on who installs the wiring. You may have done a perfect job, but if you aren't licensed, the inspector may make you tear it all out. Some will allow you to do some small home wiring, have it inspected, and pass code. It also depends on the inspector.
Some of the brief gotchas I've found with data cabling.
-plenum rated cable (a measure of toxicity released in buring)
-conduit type and grounding (cable trays in ceilings)
-filling in holes running through a firewall (the orignal defn
-avoiding zip ties and such everywhere except the network closet
I'm sure there are more. The other side of not being up to code hinders buying, selling, repairing, or insuring your home and may bring along fines.
