Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Career summary

Security and fire alarm systems installers help people protect their property.

Before installation, installers talk with clients to discuss what type of security system would work best and to provide cost estimates. They install the system referencing building plans and system manuals. They drill holes in walls, ceilings, and floors so that wires can be threaded through and connected. They mount cameras, sensors, and control panels.

After installation, installers program and test the security system and make adjustments as needed. They teach clients how to use the system.

Installers also perform maintenance and repairs on installed security systems. They examine systems to locate problems such as loose connections or broken insulation. They may order replacement parts.

Installers also stay up-to-date on new products and technological developments in the field.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automotive Electronics Installers
• Building Maintenance Workers
• Communications Equipment Mechanics
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Electricians
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Home Electronic Repairers
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Line Installers and Repairers
• Plumbers and Pipefitters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to security and fire alarm systems installers.

• Install, maintain, and repair security systems, alarm devices, and related equipment.
• Follow blueprints and building plans.
• Consult with clients to determine security requirements.
• Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, and floors.
• Mount and fasten control panels, sensors, and camera. Attach electrical and telephone wiring.
• Feed cable through access holes, roof spaces, and cavity walls. Position and terminate cables, wires, and strapping.
• Inspect installation sites and study work orders and manuals. Determine material requirements and the best way to install the system.
• Test the system, including its batteries, programs, and sirens, to make sure it is working properly.
• Adjust the sensitivity of alarm systems based on recommendations.
• Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation. Test and repair circuits and sensors.
• Demonstrate how systems work for customers.
• Provide customers with cost estimates. Prepare invoices and warranties.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field.

Common work activities

Security and fire alarm systems installers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Document and record information
• Analyze data or information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Think creatively
• Develop goals and strategies
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Perform for or work with the public
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Teach others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, security and fire alarm systems installers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They interact with supervisors and customers throughout the day.
• Communicate with others by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often wear protective or safety gear, such as eye goggles.
• Work both outdoors and indoors when installing systems. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning at the time of installation.
• Usually travel to and from work sites in a company truck or van.
• Occasionally have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• May have to work in bright or dim lighting conditions.
• May have to reach high places to install certain components.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as dust.
• Occasionally must listen to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• May be exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate during installations. Errors could cause system malfunctions.
• Sometimes make decisions that greatly impact their customers and company's reputation. They sometimes act independently, but may seek input from a supervisor for large decisions.
• Usually set their daily tasks and goals with some input from a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which strict weekly and daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Security and fire alarm systems installers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for security and fire alarm systems installers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for security and fire alarm systems installers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Security and fire alarm systems installers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
• Electrical and Power Transmission

Other programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades
• Fire Protection Technology

Training

To work as a security and fire alarm systems installer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some security and fire alarm systems installers complete formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in electrical systems (usually low voltage). In these programs, you learn the principles of electricity and electrical circuitry. You also learn the specifics of installing different types of systems as well as local area building codes.

On-the-job training

Most security and fire alarm systems installers learn their skills from experienced workers on the job. Installers can also take online classes or attend training sessions provided by manufacturers. Training of this type may last up to one year.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, entry level electrician apprentices usually must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus one year of high school or one quarter of college-level algebra with grade "C" or better;
• be a resident of the geographical area covered by the training program for at least one year;
• be physically able to perform the work; and
• score well on the electrical trades aptitude exam.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked info 4/7/09, 4/6/11 & 4/30/13, 3/30/15, 1/24/17, 3/18/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Electricity

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer applicants who have technical knowledge of electricity and electronics. Employers prefer applicants who acquired this knowledge through formal training. Employers look for applicants with a basic knowledge of math and mechanical ability.

In addition, applicants should be strong, coordinated, and have good communication skills. The ability to distinguish colors is necessary, because wires and cables may be coded by color.

Licensing/certification

Security and fire alarm systems installers must be certified by the Department of Labor and Industries. They also must have a residential or limited energy specialty electrician training certificate during the training period. 

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Electrical Section 
PO Box 44460
Olympia, WA 98504-4460
360.902.5269

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for security and fire alarm systems installers is $2,806 per month ($16.19 per hour).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary by the installer's level of experience. Wages also vary by area of the country and employer.

Security and fire alarm systems installers generally receive health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Security systems installation companies
• Electrical contractors

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be very strong. Many new homes, office buildings, and factories are being built. These new buildings will need to have security or fire alarms installed. Some home or building owners will need alarm systems added to existing buildings. New fire codes may also spur demand for this occupation.

Other resources

Electronics Technicians Association, International 
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262

Independent Electrical Contractors 

National Fire Protection Association 
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
617.770.3000

National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee 
5001 Howerton Way, Suite N
Bowie, MD 20715
888.652.4007
301.715.2300

Security Industry Association 
8405 Colesville Road, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.804.4700

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers (49-2098.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Protective-signal Installer (822.361-018) 
• Protective-signal Repairer (822.361-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Service Skilled
• Technology Skilled