Chapter 1 of 718% of exam
Job Planning and Design
Planning decides what the C-7 license may install, where the telecommunications room goes, how every cable will route, and which code and coordination problems must be solved before rough-in. CSLB weights this section at 18%. For worked examples, named traps and a full practice exam at CSLB's weights, see the PrepPass C-7 Low Voltage Systems study guide.
Scope of the license
The C-7 covers energy-limited communication and low voltage systems up to 91 volts. Fire alarm is excluded.
C-7 limit
Energy limited and not over 91 volts; telephone, sound, CATV, CCTV, satellite, controls and landscape lighting are named.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 §832.07Fire alarm
Low voltage fire alarm systems are specifically not included in C-7.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 §832.07Class 2 and 3
The power source must be listed and marked as Class 2 or Class 3.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8 §§2585.1, 2585.2Rooms and routes
Locate rooms so no outlet is more than 90 meters of cable away; plan pathways for growth.
Horizontal limit
295 feet (90 meters) from patch panel to outlet.
UFC 3-580-01 (2024), para. 2-3.3.2.1Pull points
No more than 100 feet or 180 degrees of bends between pull boxes.
UFGS 27 10 00 (2025), para. 3.3.1Separation
Indoor communications cable 2 inches from power conductors unless a barrier or equal method is used.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8 §2587.3(d)Coordination
Electrical, mechanical, architectural, furniture and firestop work all touch the low voltage design.
Room cooling
Not on time clocks or setbacks; no piping over racks.
UFC 3-580-01 (2024), para. 2-3.1.3.4Firestopping
Rated penetrations sealed with tested F, T and L rated systems.
UFGS 07 84 00Existing plant
Test reused pairs before splicing; retag after count transfers.
UFC 3-580-01 (2024), paras. 3-9.2, 3-9.3