Michigan requires a license for fire alarm system work but exempts security alarm installation from electrical licensing

Michigan’s Skilled Trades Regulation Act bars anyone from installing, altering, repairing, servicing or maintaining fire alarm system wiring, devices or equipment without a license. It exempts security alarm system work from electrical licensing and bars municipal permit rules for alarm providers’ business monitoring systems under 50 volts.

Source facts

Under MCL 339.5731, except as section 737 provides, a person may not erect, install, alter, repair, service or maintain fire alarm system wiring, devices, appliances or equipment in a building or structure without a license. The act’s definitions separate fire alarm contractors, fire alarm specialty technicians who design and install systems, and apprentice technicians who work under a technician’s direct personal supervision, and define a fire alarm system as one that detects and annunciates fire or its by-products, excluding single station smoke detectors.

MCL 339.5737 lists classes of work that do not require a license, including the installation, maintenance or servicing of security alarm systems in a building or structure, and telecommunications work by companies primarily in that industry, which expressly does not include fire alarm systems. Under MCL 339.5733, a municipal ordinance may not require a registered or licensed alarm provider to obtain a permit for a business monitoring system, defined as audio, video or sensor equipment under 50 volts that excludes fire alarm and life safety systems, or a license or permit for a security alarm system.

Licenses and registrations issued by the state board must be recognized by all municipalities.

Applicability

Use this for fire alarm, security alarm and monitoring work in Michigan. Whether a task counts as fire alarm, life safety or security alarm work depends on the system, and local ordinances and electrical codes still apply, so confirm with the licensing agency or local enforcing agency.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends confirming that anyone working on fire alarm wiring, devices or panels holds the right fire alarm license, and keeping that work separate from security alarm and camera work. Record license numbers for technicians and subcontractors, have a licensed fire alarm technician make any connection to the fire alarm system, such as door-release relays, and note on each job which system each task touches.

Verification

Keep copies of current licenses for staff and subcontractors, check them at renewal, and review job tickets to confirm fire alarm tasks were done by licensed people.

Official references

Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.5731, Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407). Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.5701, Definitions; A to F. Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.5737, Electrical contracting; classes of work. Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.5733, Applicability of article to municipality. Reviewed October 19, 2026.