by
Rachel Tindall
| May 08, 2023
CEDIA’s government affairs program is dedicated to support and advocate for its members on issues related to the smart home technology industry. Often the core issues are related to electrical licensing and low-voltage licensing, but as the industry has grown and numerous technologies are used in the home, the legislative and regulatory issues have also expanded.
CEDIA tracks these issues to give our members a voice in the industry:
Electrical Licensing: Many times, the electrical trade tries to capture new technologies within the scope of an electrical license through electrical licensing legislation or regulations. It’s critical for CEDIA to remain aware of any and all electrical licensing changes.
Limited-Energy Licensing: CEDIA works to ensure there’s a proper licensing structure and scope of work that support the work of integrators and the smart home technology industry.
Alarm Licensing: In the past, home automation was added to alarm licenses. We lobbied to have clarifying language added to ensure CEDIA members don’t need both limited-energy and alarm licenses. These are just a couple of examples of why CEDIA monitors the scope of work and types of technology that fall under alarm licenses.
Connected Devices: As technology continues to progress, connected device legislation has been introduced. These issues are related to recording a user’s voice without individual consent if the product has voice recognition software.
Electronic Waste: Electronic waste deals with who is responsible for properly disposing of old electronics. CEDIA monitors this topic for manufacturers and retailers. Some states have started to include lighting with environmental stewardship plans as well as adding a new electronic waste category with its own requirements.
National Electrical Code: Major changes are a part of the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70), particularly in the sections that affect Integrators. There are updates for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 wiring, and a new Class 4 wiring. States and local jurisdictions often adopt the National Electrical Code® with amendments. It’s imperative that integrators know what edition of the National Electrical Code® is adopted by the jurisdiction they are working in. CEDIA monitors the adoption and any related amendments.
As the number of legislative issues has grown over the years, CEDIA continues to work hard to be an advocate and a strong voice of the smart home technology industry.