Security and fire alarm systems installers install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

  • Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
  • Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
  • Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
  • Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
  • Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
  • Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
  • Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
  • Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
  • Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.
  • Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
  • Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
  • Keep informed of new products and developments.
  • Order replacement parts.
  • Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
  • Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, 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 Organization — Communicating 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 Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing 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.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Repair electrical components.
  • Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
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Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge 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 Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge 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.
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Skills

Installation
  • Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving 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.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The 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 Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Word processing software
Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
  • Microsoft operating system
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