Permits required for less than 50volt/ 50 watt

[gsstaley@sbcglobal.net]

I'm told that most municipalities don't require permits for low voltage lighting, etc if the voltage is less than 50 volts and controlling less than 50 watts. The 50 volts value I understand is seen in the NEC and probably other sanctioning bodies, but does anyone know where the 50 watts threshold came from, and maybe the rationale for it? Thanks

 

[jaggedben]

That sounds totally made up to me. As far as I've noticed most permit ordinances, which are extremely local, are written to require a permit for just about absolutely anything that's permanently installed.

 

[Joe.B]

I think the mix-up is that (2017 NEC) 90.2 (B)(4) excludes "Installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations" from the scope of NEC. Communications happen to be low-voltage, therefore people confuse the reason they're exempt. Also 50V is one of the thresholds where requirements change (such as 200.7(B)) so I think it's easy to latch onto that number.

In my mind I look at lighting differently than a doorbell buzzer or an antenna cable, however I don't know if I should, there is always risk...