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Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Occupation Detailed Description

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

The main tasks and work activities of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers are to inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems, position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment, install electrical components, equipment, or systems, repair electrical components. In general, for the Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers, speaking, installation, critical Thinking, active Listening and other 10 skills are required.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers jobs. 41.41% of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 48.58% of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
0.00%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
41.41%
Post-Secondary Certificate
48.58%
Some College Courses
8.41%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
1.60%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.00%

Tasks and Work Activities of Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

  • Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
  • Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
  • Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
  • Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
  • Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
  • Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
  • Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
  • Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
  • Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.
  • Keep informed of new products and developments.
  • Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
  • Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
  • Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
  • Order replacement parts.
  • Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
  • Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside OrganizationCommunicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesPerforming physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems.
  • Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Repair electrical components.
  • Plan work procedures.
  • Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Repair electrical circuits or wiring.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
  • Explain use of products or services.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Run wiring to connect equipment.
  • Estimate costs for labor or materials.
  • Document operational activities.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Lay cables to connect equipment.
  • Inspect safety equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Skills and Abilities for Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • RepairingRepairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Extent FlexibilityThe ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Multilimb CoordinationThe ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Far VisionThe ability to see details at a distance.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Adjustable widemouth plierse.g. Adjustable widemouth pliers
  • Battery testerse.g. Battery analyzers
  • Stripping toolse.g. Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC cable strippers
  • Lug crimping tool diese.g. Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC crimpers
  • Levelse.g. Bubble levels
  • Soldering irone.g. Butane soldering irons
  • Locking plierse.g. Channel lock pliers
  • Claw hammere.g. Claw hammers
  • Signal generatorse.g. Color bar generators
  • Power drillse.g. Cordless drills
  • Wire lug crimping toole.g. Crimping lugs
  • Sound measuring apparatus or decibel metere.g. Decibel meters
  • Multimeterse.g. Digital multimeters
  • Ohmmeterse.g. Digital ohmmeters
  • Oscilloscopese.g. Digital oscilloscopes
  • Voltage or current meterse.g. Digital voltmeters DVM
  • Soldering irone.g. Electric soldering irons
  • Electrical frequency meterse.g. Electrical frequency meters
  • Ladderse.g. Extension ladders
  • Power meterse.g. Fiber optics testers
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • TelecommunicationsKnowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Building and ConstructionKnowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.