When you’re securing your business or commercial property, you’re not just buying equipment—you’re investing in peace of mind. But what happens when the contractor you hire to install that vital security system operates outside the law? In New Jersey, hiring an unlicensed security contractor is a gamble with stakes that are far too high.
It’s about more than just a piece of paper. A license is a guarantee of accountability, expertise, and professionalism. Here are the serious hidden risks you take on when you hire an unlicensed operator.
1. You Have No Guarantee of Competence
In New Jersey, obtaining a license to install security systems—including burglar alarms, fire alarms, and access control—is a rigorous process. It requires years of documented experience, technical training, and passing comprehensive exams on the trade, business and law, and electronic security systems. This process is overseen by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
Unlicensed contractors have not proven their skills. They haven’t passed the state-mandated tests that verify their knowledge of proper installation techniques, electrical codes, and security principles. A faulty installation can lead to system failures, false alarms, or critical vulnerabilities a professional would never overlook.
At Systems Integrations, we are not only licensed but also trained and certified on all equipment we install, including Hanwha, Rhombus, and PDK systems. We invest in annual continuing education to ensure our team stays current with the latest technology and best practices.
2. You Are Liable for Injuries and Accidents
This is perhaps the biggest financial risk you take. A licensed and legitimate contractor is required to carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
If an unlicensed worker gets hurt on your property, you could be held responsible. Without their own insurance, their medical bills and lost wages could become your legal nightmare. Your own insurance policy may even deny the claim because you hired an unlicensed individual, leaving you to pay out of pocket.
Systems Integrations carries $1 million in general liability coverage and a $2 million umbrella policy, protecting both our clients and our team. When you work with us, you’re working with a fully insured professional organization.
3. There Is No Recourse for Poor Workmanship
Did the contractor install the wrong cameras, damage your property during installation, or simply disappear before the job was finished? If they are licensed, you can file a formal complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which has the power to investigate, levy fines, and even suspend or revoke their license.
With an unlicensed contractor, you have very little leverage. They operate in the shadows. There’s no licensing board to hold them accountable. Your only option might be a costly and often futile civil lawsuit.
Systems Integrations stands behind every installation with a one-year workmanship warranty and ongoing support through master service agreements and maintenance contracts. We’re accountable to our clients and to the state of New Jersey.
4. You Could Fail Inspections and Violate Codes
Security and fire alarm systems are not standalone installations—they are integrated into your building’s overall safety infrastructure. Licensed professionals are well-versed in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and other relevant regulations.
An unlicensed installer can’t pull the necessary permits. This means the work they do is illegal and will not be inspected. This can lead to significant problems down the line, including fines, orders to remove the unpermitted work, and major issues when you try to sell the property or pass a building inspection.
As a fully licensed contractor in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida, Systems Integrations ensures all work is performed to code, with proper permits pulled and inspections completed. We protect your investment and your property’s compliance status.
5. Security and Background Checks Are Non-Existent
Think about it: you are giving someone complete access to the most sensitive areas of your property and deep knowledge of your security infrastructure.
Licensed security professionals in New Jersey must undergo criminal history background checks. This is a critical safeguard. Unlicensed individuals bypass this completely. You have no way of knowing who you are letting into your business and what their intentions might be.
Every member of the Systems Integrations team has undergone thorough background checks as required by New Jersey law. You can trust that the professionals entering your facility are vetted, qualified, and committed to protecting your business.
How to Verify a Security Contractor in New Jersey
Protecting yourself is simple. Before hiring any security contractor, do your due diligence:
Ask for their License Number: All licensed alarm and security installers must have a license issued by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
Verify the License: You can easily look up a professional’s license on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website.
Request Proof of Insurance: Ask for a current certificate of insurance that shows they carry both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
Get a Written Contract: Never proceed without a detailed written contract. Per New Jersey law, for projects over $500, the contract must include the business name, address, start and end dates, a description of the work, the total price, and the contractor’s registration number.
Check Trade Association Memberships: Reputable contractors are often active members of organizations like NJELSA (New Jersey Electronic Life Safety Association), ESA (Electronic Security Association), and local business networks.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Compromise on Your Safety
Choosing a licensed contractor isn’t about red tape—it’s about ensuring your security system is installed correctly, legally, and safely by a qualified professional who is accountable for their work.
At Systems Integrations, we are proud to be fully licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. We are insured, certified, and active members of NJELSA, ESA, and BNI. With over 20 years of experience in security integration and IT, we believe in doing things the right way to provide our clients with the security and peace of mind they deserve.
We use only NDAA-compliant video surveillance equipment, ensuring your systems meet federal security standards. Our technicians are trained and certified on all software and equipment we install, and we maintain ongoing partnerships with industry leaders like Hanwha, Rhombus, PDK, and Feenics.
Contact Systems Integrations today at (866) 417-3787 for a consultation, and let’s discuss how to secure your property with the professionalism and expertise you can trust.