Access control installers in Virginia: two agencies to know

In Virginia, two state agencies handle this work. Contractors get their licenses from DPOR, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Private security businesses, including electronic security firms, are licensed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Alarm signaling devices like burglar or holdup alarms, and cameras that detect intrusion or theft, are what the DCJS law calls electronic security equipment. It doesn't mention a card reader. So a reader that arms an alarm or ties into cameras leans toward DCJS; a door system that stands alone leans toward DPOR.

According to the Board for Contractors, every license has two pieces. How large a contract the business can take on depends on the class it holds, whether A, B or C. The classification, or specialty, tells you the type of work it's allowed to do.

The thin wiring for readers, keypads and door strikes is low-voltage work. For that, the specialty list in 18VAC50-22-30 gives Electronic/communication service contracting (ESC). The specialty includes data cabling, sound systems and any other systems running at 50 volts or less. This work is also open to an electrical (ELE) contractor.

• A class C lets you take on a job worth more than $1,000 and less than $30,000, with total annual work under $250,000.
• For one job, Class B starts at $30,000 and goes up to $150,000.
• Class A applies when a single job hits $150,000 or above, or yearly work reaches $1 million or more.
• Fire alarm systems contracting, a specialty on its own for alarms at 50 volts or less, is known as FAS.

§ 9.1-139 requires a private security services business to hold a DCJS license and to name a compliance agent. Its electronic security technicians must also register with DCJS. New technicians need 14 hours of training, as the technician FAQ explains.

§ 54.1-1103 adds a wrinkle. A company that DCJS licenses can install or design electronic security equipment, low voltage cabling included, without also having a DPOR contractor license. The same DCJS statute also registers locksmiths as part of its oversight.

Check with the company about which agency licenses it. When you are checking a contractor, go to the DPOR License Lookup and search by name or number from the license. Confirm that the class shown is right, along with the ESC, ELE or FAS specialty.

The DCJS External Verification Tool is where you check a security company's credentials. The tool only gives you the newest credential, so review the dates.

The Uniform Statewide Building Code sets the rules for egress hardware. Taking effect January 18, 2024, the 2021 Virginia Construction Code draws from the 2021 International Codes. Enforcement is handled by your local building department.

Privacy comes up with fingerprint and face readers. Under the Consumer Data Protection Act, biometric data that identifies someone is treated as sensitive. Ask the vendor how your templates are kept.