Low Voltage Systems Are On The Rise – Part 2

In our last blog post, we discussed how more and more properties are installing new lines of data due to the recent rise in remote workers and the need for better security. While there aren’t too many pre-existing codes regarding low-voltage systems, this increase in demand has led many states across the country to write new safety codes that require a multitude of low-voltage system permits as well. As is always the case with growing trends, it seems everyone from residential to commercial industries is being affected.

With this increase in installations, the government seems to have their own solution. In a Forbes article from 2021, former contributor Andrew Andrzejewski writes on The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program - which provides $42.5 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The majority of this program creates government-owned networks (GONs) which some believe the government is using under the guise of closing the digital divide in order to completely push out the private sector. While GONs certainly are not a new concept, several of them are nearly obsolete because 5G wireless connections and other private sectors offer better speeds and prices.

While the BEAD Program may have been initially proposed some years ago, we have to wonder if this increase in installations may have been the final push the Biden-Harris administration needed. As more residential and commercial properties install these lines, it has become an outdated concept for homes and places of business to lack low voltage systems, such as Wi-Fi, landscape lighting, thermostats, and more.

Regardless of whether you’re a residential or commercial builder, installing new lines of data to keep up with growing trends in security and technology is inevitable.

In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC), also known as NFPA 70, is a universally recognized standard that governs the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It's been adopted across all 50 states and serves as the guideline for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection, thereby protectingindividuals and property from electrical hazards. Frequently, it is embraced by organizations and municipalities to align their management and regulation of electrical safety practices.

Moreover, compliance with Class 2 of the National Electric Code (NEC) is mandatory for electrical wiring and low voltage power sources. This code was established to mitigate risks associated with electrical shock and fire. Consequently, most certified electricians and security integrators view the NEC as the gold standard for electrical regulations.

The NEC compiles all requirements for safe electrical installations into a unified, standardized resource. While NEC guidelines do not function as law, they are often enforced by state and local laws and are supported by numerous professional organizations, including the National Electrical Contractors Association. These guidelines also have widespread adoption outside the United States.

The NEC provides regulations on the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and optical fiber cables and raceways for a range of applications, such as:

• Public and private buildings, structures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings
• Parking lots, fairgrounds, yards, lots, and industrial substations
• Electrical equipment and cable installations linked to the electricity supply
• Utility-related installations outside of generating plants, substations, or control centers, like office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, and recreational structures.

Even though it isn't necessary to know the entire low voltage wiring code, it's essential to understand the risks and best practices to avoid the most common electrical code violations.

Each state typically has specific codes pertaining to allowances for renovations and home electrical wiring. Hence, it's crucial to consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with all guidelines and rules. To gain more insights into low voltage wiring, consider the following resources:

• The National Electric Code (NEC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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Contact us today through our easy form to enjoy our exceptional permit expediting services, and trust Express Permits for professional and expert handling of all your low-voltage permit requirements.

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