Finding an access control installer in Washington

In some states, anyone can run the thin cable that connects a card reader. Not in Washington. Running a business that installs wires or equipment carrying electric current without a license is unlawful under RCW 19.28.041. You get that electrical contractor license from the state's Department of Labor and Industries.

You can hold a general license or a specialty one; limited energy system is among the specialties listed. Every application must include a $4,000 bond that lists the state as the obligee. The company must also have an administrator who has passed an L&I exam.

Certificates are held by the individuals who do the wiring work. Signaling and power limited circuits define the limited energy system specialty (06), according to the scopes in WAC 296-46B-920. It covers only low-voltage circuits.

The scope names low-energy circuits for all occupancies, including intrusion alarms, fire protection signaling and control systems. Telecom (09) installers are prohibited by the same rule from pulling the horizontal cabling used for access control. That means a data-only cabler is not the right person for door readers.

• Signaling and power limited circuits make up the 06 limited energy scope; intrusion alarms and fire alarm signaling count among them.
• Operator wiring for electric gates and doors, key pads included, falls under 10 door, gate and similar systems, provided there's no link to other systems.
• Any electrical task, even the power feed to a lock supply, is included in 01 general electrician.

You can see the 06 specialty in the 4,000‑hour category on L&I's electrician certification page. Before the exam, trainees need supervision at least 75% of the time and must complete 48 hours of classroom training.

Head to the Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business tool from L&I to review a firm or worker. You can look up by name, license number, UBI number or workers' comp account.

Wiring is governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code per WAC 296-46B-010; the 2026 edition takes over on December 31, 2026. The State Building Code Council notes that the 2021 codes took effect on March 15, 2024, and the 2024 codes are set for May 3, 2027.

The state of Washington also enacted a biometric law, which is RCW 19.375. For commercial use, getting a fingerprint or similar identifier on file requires prior notice and consent. The definitions treat a security purpose as non-commercial, so talk with a lawyer if you intend to share the data.