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SP-PH vs SP-FALV: Which License Do You Need?

Both are North Carolina Special Restricted electrical classifications — limited licenses for one slice of electrical work. The difference is simple: SP-PH is for plumbing/heating/AC-related wiring, and SP-FALV is for fire alarm and low-voltage systems. Pick the one that matches the work you actually do.

Side by side

	SP-PH
Full name	Special Restricted — Plumbing & Heating
Scope	Electrical work directly related to plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems
Typical holder	HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical contractors
Experience	~2 years (1 year primary) in a plumbing/heating/AC business
Key references	2020 NEC + NASCLA NC Electrical guide

	SP-FALV
Full name	Special Restricted — Fire Alarm / Low Voltage
Scope	Installation, maintenance, and repair of low-voltage wiring and directly related systems (no project-value cap)
Typical holder	Fire alarm, security, data/communications installers
Experience	~3,000 hours total, at least 2,000 hours primary
Key references	2020 NEC + NASCLA guide + National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72)

Scopes and requirements are summarized from public sources — confirm the exact scope in Section .0800 of the NC Board rules and on your application before deciding.

How to choose

Do HVAC, furnace, water-heater, or AC hookups? → SP-PH.
Install fire alarm, access control, security, or structured/low-voltage cabling? → SP-FALV.
Need both? They're separate classifications — you'd qualify and test for each.
Bigger, unrestricted electrical work? Neither — look at the Limited / Intermediate / Unlimited classifications instead.

Book difference to note: SP-FALV adds the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) to the reference list. SP-PH generally does not need NFPA 72 — so if you're going SP-PH, don't buy it before confirming. See our verified SP-PH book list.

This site focuses on SP-PH

Our study guide, practice questions, and navigation drills are built for the SP-PH exam (plumbing/heating). If that's your path, you're in the right place.

Going for SP-PH?

Start the Practice Exam → How to Get Licensed