Hiring guide · Networking & low voltage
How to hire a low-voltage contractor
Wi-Fi that reaches every room, network cable to the TV and office, and structured wiring for a new build: what to expect and what to ask.
What low-voltage contractors do
- Whole-home Wi-Fi: planning and installing access points so every room gets a good signal.
- Network cabling: cable to TVs, offices, cameras and access points, ending at one central spot.
- Structured wiring for new builds: network, coax, speaker and camera cable before the drywall goes up.
- Equipment closets and racks: a tidy home for the modem, router, switches and recorders.
How licensing usually works
Low-voltage work is licensed differently from state to state. Some states license it, often through the electrical licensing board as a limited-energy or low-voltage category; others leave it to cities or don't license it at all. Any new 120-volt outlet or circuit for equipment is electrical work. We show the license details we found in public records with the date we checked. Confirm what applies in your state before you hire.
Questions to ask
- Will you check signal strength in each room before and after?
- Where will the cables run, and where will they end?
- What cable and equipment will you use, and will it be labeled?
- Will I get the network passwords and admin access?
- Who does any electrical work for the equipment closet?
- What's the warranty on the cabling and the installation?
Red flags
- No plan for where cables run, or no labeling.
- Equipment you can't log in to.
- New outlets added without a licensed electrician where one is required.
Common questions
Is mesh Wi-Fi enough, or do I need cabling?
Mesh Wi-Fi works well in many homes. Running network cable to the access points, the TV and the home office usually makes everything faster and more reliable, especially in large or multi-story houses.
Do low-voltage contractors need a license?
Some states license low-voltage or limited-energy work, often through the electrical board; others don't license it at the state level. Your city may have its own rules.
When is the best time to run cable?
Before the walls are closed, in a new build or a remodel. In a finished home it can still be done, often through attics, crawl spaces and closets.
Last reviewed . License rules change and differ by state; confirm details with your state's licensing board and your local building department.