License requirements for my line of work..Electrical or Low Voltage?

[mxslick]

Hi gang. I have recently formed an LLC and since I will become prime contractor on two potentially huge jobs, I will need to get the proper license in the state of California. (Edited to add: I have always, up till now, worked under another contractor's licenses as a subcontractor. And let's please leave this part if it out of this discussion.)

Now here's the tricky part: Looking at the State's website with the definitions of license classes, it is not clear what classification I fall under. I realize that each state will have different classifications, but that's cool, I'd like to hear how other states might fare as well.

My work consists of installing film and video projectors, sound systems, touchscreen controls and automations.

The actual work for eash item installed is;

Film projectors: Mechanical assembly of projectors, lamphouses and lamp power supplies. Wiring to film projectors is a mix of HV (120-240 volts, single and/or three phase), LV (6 or 12 vac for worklights, and the DC power leads to the lamp {but at high current, anywhere from 60-120amps}) and audio.

Video projectors: Video cabling only, all vproj I deal with are cord and plug connected. Job EC's will install receptacles as needed.

Sound systems: Wiring of audio and speaker wiring, I also assemble custom power stacks (4s boxes, emt and THHN, 3-6 circuits with individual neutrals, with a whip to interface to wiring provided from panel by EC.)

Touchscreen controls and automations: Wiring of LV control and dat lines, interfacing to solid state relays to control 120 volt devices (I usually wire up all the 120volt side of those relays to the devices being controlled.)

Overall, I'd say that 85% of my work is on the LV side, and the remainder is on the HV side. (120-240volt, single or three phase)

All comments and opinions are welcome.

 

[iwire]

I suggest you PM member e57 (Mark) to make sure he knows you asking about CA licensing,

 

[mxslick]

Thanks Bob.. :grin:

 

[e57]

Sounds like you're looking for an LV (C-7) Lic. But it will limit you to ONLY LV work - which can be - well pretty damned lucrative. But if you're looking to still do any of your own 120-480 work you had better land your EC (C-10) lic. You're not allowed to do ANY with only a C-7, a C-10 can do ANYTHING, except burglar alarms. With a C-7 any C-10 on the job could easily snake you out of the picture before you even get to the job or while you're still pricing it as many of us are getting that work as a one stop shop, conversely, if you had a C-10 and your foot is in the door first you could do the same, if you're able to perform all the rest. That said, there are a few other things to worry about:

• Your LLC wont be very limited in liability - the CSLB is a consumer protection agency - you are liable for the work, damage and contracts you write. Back when you drilled a glue lam working for someone else - you got the hairy eyeball. Do it as a contractor - you are going to pay them to replace it, and still have to show up and finish the job to the very end.
• Operating a business is not what it is cracked up to be for many - picky customers who pay late if at all.
• Contracting is about contracts, not exactly the work you actually install.
• If you want to continue on the automation side, get a C-10 - Not as important to you as AV is? Then the decision is yours.
• With a C-10, or even if you have BOTH a C-7 and a C-10 - then there are further complications of employing other people once you get to that point. Certification - of all your Employees who work in the field - only required of C-10's and have LV classifications, although C-7's do not get involved in this bad joke of a labor thieving law. (There I said it!)
• Operate without getting a license - big risk....

Now this....

I will become prime contractor on two potentially huge jobs

This has a legal definition that you'll need to be aware of, and as you'll be studying the law a lot - you'll get to know this one very well soon. And since I found most of that stuff like watching paint dry - I won't bother to elaborate.

 

[mxslick]

Thanks for the response Mark.

I had kinda thought that C-10 would be the way to go...but, I did see this post in another thread:

nice you have that option.... you cannot hold a C-10 in calif. as a LLC....
sole proprietership, or corporation.

Since I am an LLC, now what?

As confusing as the State's requirements can be, it's no wonder that businesses leave this state all the time..

Anyone else feel free to chime in.