Low Voltage Scope of Work: Template and Checklist for Commercial GCs

Low voltage systems are among the most frequently fragmented scopes in commercial construction. Structured cabling, audio-visual, access control, security cameras, nurse call, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and building automation interfaces all fall under the "low voltage" umbrella — but each is typically contracted and installed by a different specialty sub. Without a clear low voltage scope of work that defines the scope boundary of each system and assigns responsibility for conduit, backboxes, and pathway, you will have overlapping claims and uncovered work at substantial completion. This guide covers the key systems, package requirements, and coordination checkpoints.

Low voltage scope must define each system type, the scope boundary with the electrical sub, and the specific deliverables for each specialty sub.

Structured Cabling (Voice and Data)

• Category rating: Specify Cat 6 (1 Gbps to 100m), Cat 6A (10 Gbps to 100m) or Cat 8 (40 Gbps, short-run data center applications) per TIA-568.2-D. Cat 6A is the current commercial standard for new office and institutional construction. Cat 5e is obsolete for new commercial installations.
• Horizontal cabling: From the telecom room (TR) to each work area outlet. Specify maximum run length (100m per TIA-568), cable route (cable tray, J-hooks, or conduit), and the number of ports per workstation location. Define who provides the cable tray vs. the low voltage sub.
• Telecommunications rooms (TR/MDF/IDF): Specify TR dimensions, equipment racks (42U, 45U open frame or enclosed), patch panels (24-port or 48-port), and cable management. Grounding and bonding per TIA-607-C must be specified and connected to the electrical grounding system — define whether this is the electrical sub's scope or the low voltage sub's scope.
• Fiber optic backbone: Between TRs and the main distribution frame (MDF). Specify fiber type (OM4 multimode for campus backbones, OS2 single-mode for extended campus or inter-building runs), connector type (LC, SC, or MPO for multi-fiber), and minimum bend radius requirements.

Audio-Visual (AV) Systems

• Specify AV system type per room: conference room display system (LED display, projection), video conferencing (integrated camera/mic/speaker), digital signage, auditorium or boardroom AV (distributed audio, programmable control), and lobby/common area displays.
• Define the AV scope boundary: many projects have a separate AV integrator who is owner-direct. In this case, the low voltage sub's scope may be limited to conduit, backboxes, and pull strings — the AV integrator installs cables and equipment. Define this explicitly to avoid duplicated scope.
• HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C wall plates must be specified at each room location, including routing for cable management and sufficient box depth for multi-port keystones.

Security and Access Control

• Access control: Card readers, door controllers, and electric strikes or magnetic lock hardware. Specify card reader technology (proximity, smart card, mobile credential), controller panel location, and software platform. The access control system integrates with the electrical sub (for mag-lock power and door position switches) and the door hardware sub — define each interface.
• CCTV / IP camera system: Specify camera resolution (minimum 4MP for commercial), camera type (fixed dome, PTZ, fisheye), indoor vs. outdoor rating (IP66 for exterior), mounting location, and network video recorder (NVR) or video management system (VMS) platform.
• Intrusion detection: Motion detectors, door/window contacts, glass break sensors, and central monitoring panel. Specify zones, monitoring service provider interface, and UL listing if monitored response time is required by insurance.

Other Low Voltage Systems

• Distributed Antenna System (DAS): Required in large commercial buildings (typically over 50,000 sf) where cellular coverage is inadequate. DAS scope requires coordination with the cell carrier representatives before design. This is a specialty sub that requires early engagement.
• Nurse call / emergency call: For healthcare, assisted living, and some institutional occupancies. Specify system manufacturer, call station types, and integration with the facility's paging and nurse station systems.
• Fire alarm interface: Low voltage subs do not typically install fire alarm systems (this is a licensed fire alarm sub), but low voltage conduit often conflicts with fire alarm conduit above ceilings. Define who installs conduit for each system and how above-ceiling real estate is allocated.

Tip for PMs: The most common low voltage scope gap is conduit and backbox provision for owner-furnished or owner-direct technology systems (AV integrators, security vendors, telecom carriers). The GC scope typically includes conduit and rough-in, but this is often not communicated to the low voltage sub. Require a consolidated conduit routing plan from all low voltage specialty subs before rough-in begins.

Low voltage submittals must include system architecture drawings, not just product data sheets. Without a rack elevation and cable routing plan, above-ceiling installation will be chaotic.

Required Submittals

• System architecture drawing for each low voltage system: floor plan showing device locations, cable routes, and TR/MDF locations
• TR rack elevations: showing patch panels, switches, UPS, and cable management layout
• Product data sheets for all passive and active components (patch panels, switches, cameras, controllers, access readers)
• TIA-568 compliance testing plan: specify that all horizontal cabling will be field-tested with a Fluke DSX or equivalent certifier to TIA Category performance levels; test reports to be provided as a project closeout deliverable
• Cable schedule: cable ID, origin, destination, and termination point for all runs

Warranty and Certification

• Specify the manufacturer's system warranty for structured cabling: most major manufacturers (Belden, CommScope, Panduit, Leviton) offer a 25-year application assurance warranty when installed by a certified contractor using the manufacturer's complete system (cable, connectors, patch panels). Require the installer to be a certified contractor under the manufacturer's program.
• For AV systems, specify a minimum 1-year parts and labor warranty from the AV integrator or sub, and define the service response time for system failures.

Best Practices from Leading GCs

• Hold a single above-ceiling coordination meeting with all low voltage subs, the HVAC sub, the electrical sub, and the fire protection sub before rough-in begins. Low voltage cable tray and conduit compete for the same above-ceiling space as mechanical ductwork and electrical conduit — resolve conflicts in 2D or BIM before anyone starts pulling cable.
• Require a consolidated low voltage outlet schedule that maps every room and shows exactly which systems have a device in that room. This prevents installation of cable without a backbox and discovery of missed outlets during punchlist.
• Define the testing and turnover process: all structured cabling must be certified and test reports submitted before AV and IT equipment is installed. Troubleshooting cable failures after equipment is connected is extremely difficult.

Low voltage coordinates with the electrical sub (power for active devices), the AV integrator, and the owner's IT team. All three handoffs must be defined explicitly.

Electrical Sub Coordination

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices (IP cameras, access readers, VoIP phones, wireless access points) are powered through the network switch, not through a separate power circuit. The electrical sub does not need to provide power at each device location — confirm this with both subs to avoid duplicated scope.
• Dedicated circuits for network equipment in TRs must be provided by the electrical sub (typically 20A dedicated circuits for each equipment rack). Define the number and location of circuits in the electrical scope — this is frequently missed.
• Grounding and bonding of the telecom room per TIA-607-C: the electrical sub provides the bonding conductor from the service entrance; the low voltage sub installs the grounding bar and bonds all racks and cable tray.

Owner and IT Coordination

• Require the owner's IT team to provide wireless access point locations and counts before rough-in. WAPs require a Cat 6A home-run cable and a ceiling backbox — late WAP location changes are expensive to re-route in finished ceilings.
• Confirm the network switch platform (Cisco, Aruba, Meraki) and any owner-furnished active equipment before the TR rack layout is finalized. Owner-furnished equipment dimensions must match the rack design.

Pre-Installation Coordination Checklist

• Consolidated low voltage outlet schedule issued and reviewed by all low voltage subs
• Above-ceiling coordination meeting complete — cable tray and conduit routes confirmed
• TR dimensions, power circuits, and grounding confirmed with electrical sub
• WAP locations confirmed with owner's IT team
• AV scope boundary defined — conduit only vs. complete AV installation
• Owner-furnished equipment list confirmed for rack design
• Cable certification testing plan submitted and approved

Tip for Estimators: When reviewing a low voltage bid, check whether cable tray, conduit, and backboxes are included or whether the sub is pricing "direct cable only." In most commercial projects, the above-ceiling cable tray and conduit stub-outs represent 25–35% of the low voltage rough-in cost. A bid without these items is not comparable to a complete price.