Class 2 equipment does not require approvals except for light fixtures which do. Class 1 low voltage or low energy systems do require approved equipment and in the case of control circuits can be up to 600 volts. In BC there is no class of work that does not require permits or is exempt from inspection. The actual policies of each AHJ does vary and some do not require permit for some classes of electrical work or value.
I realize that a lot of low voltage wiring is pretty safe but electrical contractors make a lot of mistakes in installing this type of wiring. They run class 2 wiring in 600 volt MCCs and don't even recognize the difference. Most class 1 wiring must be installed in the same way as line voltage using boxes and bx. I find it hard to believe there is a blanket NO PERMIT required for class 2 and 1 wiring since there is so much potential for gross wiring and safety errors.
