Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$37,950.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$50,640.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$65,330.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
3,550
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
4,920
+137 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
562
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.4%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous 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.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees 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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Security/Fire Alarm Installer
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Battery analyzers
- Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC cable strippers
- Bayonet Neill-Concelman BNC crimpers
- Bubble levels
- Butane soldering irons
- Channel lock pliers
- Claw hammers
- Color bar generators
- Cordless drills
- Crimping lugs
- Decibel meters
- Digital multimeters
- Digital ohmmeters
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Digital voltmeters DVM
- Electric soldering irons
- Electrical frequency meters
- Extension ladders
- Fiber optics testers
- Field strength meters
- Flat blade screwdrivers
- Flexible wire pullers
- Hammer drills
- Inductive probes
- Jeweler's flat blade screwdrivers
- Laptop computers
- Needlenose pliers
- Offset socket wrench sets
- Optical time domain reflectometers OTDR
Technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Hyperterminal
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft operating system
- Traceroute
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use soldering equipment
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- estimate cost for repair services
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect electrical installation for code conformance
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- bend tubing or conduit
- install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
- distinguish colors
- understand detailed electronic design specifications
- understand technical information for electronic repair work
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- communicate technical information
- install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- replace electronic components
- splice electric cable
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- install electrical conduit or tubing
- repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
- conduct sequential tests to locate electronic malfunction
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
- test electronic or electrical circuit connections
- install electrical fixtures or components
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.
- 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.
- Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.
- Keep informed of new products and developments.
- Order replacement parts.