About This Career

Installs, programs, maintains, and repairs security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensures that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Maintenance, Installation and Repair pathway.

A person in this career:

• Installs, maintains, or repairs security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
• Mounts and fastens control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attaches electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
• Demonstrates systems for customers and explains details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
• Tests and repairs circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
• Feeds cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
• Examines systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
• Tests backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Drills holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
• Inspects installation sites and studies work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
• Consults with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel